It is 17th November 2019. We celebrate the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings are from Malachi 3:19-20; the second reading is from 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; and the Gospel from Luke 21:5-19. We wish to know the future by all means using the cheap channels available without knowing that God holds the future and it is in the safest hands of God. Most of us are so swift in judging the others unjustly forgetting we ourselves would stand before God who will judge us without mercy. We must not be cheated by anyone who wishes to replace Christ Jesus. In the first reading, the prophet assures all those who are faithful will be rewarded on the day of judgement. No one is going to escape this judgement heat that deals with the arrogant, the proud, and the unfaithful. “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.” (Mal.3:20a). The Catechism spells out clearly in No.1023 and 1059: “Those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live for ever with Christ. They are like God for ever, for they “see him as he is,” face to face. “The holy Roman Church firmly believes and confesses that on the Day of Judgment all will appear in their own bodies before Christ’s tribunal to render an account of their own deeds.” The responsorial Psalm rejoices, “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.” (Ps.98:9). In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts the disorderly and the mislead Thessalonians to imitate him as a model for hard work. As we are alert and active not allowing anyone to brainwash ourselves, we must not remain idle using our faith as means of escape. By all means we all need to avoid gossips, slander, rumours, heresies, and scandals that lead us to idleness and to become busy bodies of divisions. We must not engage in discussing and debating about the Word of God all the time rather to live by our hard work without interfering with the others. Let our lives emulate others not contaminate them. The Gospel invites us to endure and persevere in times of persecution and pain on account of our faith. Faithfulness to God alone is not enough at the last days but our testimonies are crucial. Purification will happen with painful persecution from all sides. Without faith in Jesus and charity towards the others, we will not enter into eternal life. We need to be extremely careful not be deceived by those who could convince us only by talking than living. Nothing to fear when the Lord is near our life. Let nothing disturb us. May we continue to bear witness to Jesus in all we do and proclaim. May the Lord bless you and grant the courage to be a fruitful and fearless believer. May you be rewarded and blessed all through this week.